Isms from my perspective

This is bound to make some of my friends confused…..
Everyone on cable news is talking about isms…..racism, sexism-

(Edit)
This blog is a response to how the media (cable news) is covering race in the current election
(end)

As a 30-something white woman, I am told that I do not understand racism. I beg to differ. Granted, being white does factor in – but I do not see myself as a racist.

As anyone who knows me can attest, I have friends of many races and even have friends whose social, religious, and political perspectives are much different from my own. I do not always agree with them, but that is not what makes someone a racist.

For those who are interested, I currently work in Southwest Baltimore at a predominately black United Methodist Church. It is the best job Ive ever had-even though my pay scale does not reflect that. (I make good money considering I work for a church part-time) but who makes what they think they are worth?

Many of the conversations I have had with my (edit) democratic friends at my church and some of the members at the church where I work, (end) have been centered around Barack Obama, which is no surprise. Obama is a man who has loads of charisma. Something that many black men in politics HAVE to have.

My problem is: As a Christian Conservative, I cannot vote for Obama. He does not represent Christian social values-and while most people understand my opinion, many take it that Conservatives are racist.

And, while that may be true of some, it is not the general consensus that Conservatives are racist, we just want a candidate that we can relate to.

As someone who has a large circle of varying political, economic and religious friends….I cannot understand the opposite factor for many of them. Almost every single one of my black friends are simply voting for Obama, just because he is black.

Many of my black friends are PRACTICING Christians. I do not understand how those who go by the name and principles of most denominations, can vote for someone who does not support what they beleive in-but will vote for him simply because of his race.

It is my opinion, that THAT is what racism is.

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7 Responses to “Isms from my perspective”

Racism – 1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race 2 : racial prejudice or discriminationThat is the definition!!!!Saying that you don’t understand racism is more than likely an accurate statement. How I can say that? Because you ARE a White female. Let me ask you this; have you ever been denied service, employment or treated unfairly simply because are white? I doubt it— that IS racism.Racism has nothing do with opinions- it has everything to do with the way people are treated!!!!You say you have friends of all races – maybe you first need to define the word friend…. are these people that hang out with, invite to your home, or are these people you cross paths with.If I sound like I’m offended… I am!For those of you who are interested I am a BLACK democratic member of BUMC and I understand voting the Issues. As a matter of fact my vote helped put Bush into office based on the issues. With that said, you tell me what’s different about McCain’s platform and Barrack’s when it comes to Christian values. McCain has flipped his platform so much so that he when it comes to the issue of Christian Values, he lines up right along side with Barrack. And it is for that very reason that I- a BLACK woman- have yet to make up my mind who I’m voting for.And how dare you assume that ANY black person would be voting for Barrack just because he’s black— or don’t you know that he is NOT JUST BLACK… that is just another part of the racist attitude of White America…all it takes it little black…They couldn’t possibly be voting for him because he’s qualified, or becuase people are of the mindset; if we do what we’ve always done, we’ll get what we’ve always gotten. It just couldn’t that he has given not just BLACK people some hope but all people hope.While I will continue to vote the issues based on CHRISTIANITY, I will not sit by and let blatant racism be hiden away under the blanket called Conservatism.And You Know what’s really sad, that there will be thousands of White democrats who will vote for McCain just because he is NOT BLACK!A simple definition of racism; Prejudice with Power….. Power to impact the lives of those you see as less than you… now what BLACK person has ever had that kind of power?Get off your soap box, everything your have written here so CONSERVIATIVELY, reeks of racism!

First my blog was a reply to the news coverage this election has received on the issue of racism.(the follow-up on sexism is posted as well)Growing up, I was exposed to a hatefilled man. (My father) Didnt matter what the race, he was filled with hate.Some of my friends from SPHS will recall this: For them, all I can say is remember 1985-6?My father called me a N-lover until 1990 when I told him he would not be able to see his granddaughter if it continued.To ensure that all of my friends were not exposed to his behavior, I never again hung out around my house with ANYONE. His unjust anger and hatred still affects my relationship with him.Some of my friends go all the way back to elementary school. Among whom I call my friends-I have hung out with, had them over the house, invited them to political functions, as well as to my church functions.If you have read my blog, you know would that Im going to be holding my nose for McCain, because voting for the democratic platform does not represent my values.Voting for a third party candidate is just handing the election over, thereby making my vote for the President – not count for crap! So thats not even an option.Out of ALL the democratic candidates in the primary, they pick the most inexperienced and liberal. There were far better candidates in the democratic primary than Obama.But –Beleive me, there will not be a McCain sticker on my van. About the ONLY thing I agree with him on is his stance on life issues. As far as Im concerned, the man helped ruin campaign finance. McCain is NOT a conservative.Not sociallyNot fiscallyHowever, on the flip side, Barack Obama has socialist ideals, and votes “present” a great deal of the time. Id rather have someone vote against what I think, and be honest, than to just vote “present”.And if we are going to base who we vote for as Christians, should you elect someone who:-voted not to protect babies born during abortion procedures? I wont go into specifics, but its not for the faint of heart.-supports late term abortions?-supports raising taxes?-doesnt support our military and their families?Beleive me, one day I would like to see a black man in the White House. Id also like to see a woman be elected.As Americans, we cannot base our votes on how historical an election would be, should _____ win. Now, I may have one democratic white friend who will vote for McCain, but the rest are all for Obama. The issue of civil unions/gay marriage rights is where that line is drawn. Its certainly not race.And, no offense-butApparently the generalization is:Sarah Palin ain’t woman enough.Barack Obama ain’t black enough. (This also happened to Michael Steele. Blacks said he wasnt black because he was a conservative. I was there when they threw Oreo cookies at him-and it was disgusting.)Its a shame that we have to factor in charisma, to elect those who represent us. I guess thats the real reason people love Bill Clinton.I for one, do not think I am better than anyone. There are many people who could “put me in my place” so to speak.I am also sorry if I offended you, that is not the intent of my blog.

I would have voted for Colin Powell in a heartbeat had he run for public office. Although Obama is handsome and articulate, I don’t agree with many of his issues. THAT’s why I’m not voting for him. I could care less about the color issue.

First, typo in my last comment-I meant to say, Does NOT support raising taxes.Ida, I agree with you whole-heartedly on Colin Powell. Very articulate gentlemen and qualified in so many ways.Of course, my favorite is Michael Steele.

Hey, Sheila.Looks like you’ve started a fire up in here. I wrote a response. Can I just paste it here? Or a link. I’ll try that.< SRC="http://garyarthuryoung.wordpress.com/2008/10/15/re-isms-black-people-religion-politics/">Here’s my response<>